Relish Reusable Blog Post

Welcome to the Relish Reusable Giveaway Hop hosted by Measuring Flower and Eco Crazy Mom! I have teamed up with a group of other green bloggers to bring you a bunch of fun, eco-friendly, and reusable giveaways worth a minimum of $25 each. So, after you've entered our awesome giveaway below, be sure to "hop" on to the next blog to enter their giveaway as well. You can find a list linking to all the other blogs towards the bottom of this post. Don't forget to enter the event's big grand grand prizes, including $200 of reusable products donated by Reuseit.com!

Enter using the rafflecopter below to win a Squooshi  pouch prize pack and a Snacktaxi reusable lunch bag!

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Disclaimer: This event’s hosts and the participating bloggers are not responsible for any sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes, but will do their best to ensure that each winner receives their winnings.

Showered with Love Event April 1-15

Welcome to the Showered With Love Event hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network!  We all know that April Showers bring May Flowers, but did you know that over 50 bloggers have come together throw a huge Shower of our own - a virtual Baby Shower!  The Showered  with Love Event will run from April 1-15, giving you plenty of chances and time to enter all of the great giveaways!

Be sure to hop around to each blogger in the linky under my giveaway, as well as check out the fabulous Baby Shower Grand Prize, including a Boba Wrap, Red Charlotte Doll Carrier, a $50 GC to Walls Need Love, AND 6 pocket cloth diapers from Little Monsters - worth over $300!

Please enter using the rafflecopter below to win a pair of Jelli-Fish-Kids pajamas-two winners!

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Disclosure:According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Showered with Love participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Super Why Live coming to Chicago in April!

Calling all super readers....
As you know little miss is a huge Super Why fan (alright I may be just as excited as little miss)...and her birthday will be here in May. So I was on the hunt for a perfect Super Why gift when I can across the Super Why Live website! EEK-there are two shows near us all near the end of April which is also super close to her birthday!

I cannot wait to see her face when her favorite "friends" take the stage for a story book adventure. I have read tons of reviews and all say it is a not to miss show. Tickets are available through the web or at Ticketmaster. Be on the look out for my review of the show the week of April 26th!

Spring Break drive must have #2: Swish & Stenzzles

So I promised more posts about our long car journey must haves and this week I am trying to focus on "busy toys" for the car ride. My lovies are not much into watching 10 hours of movies so I have to get creative. Here is what I have so far:

1. Puzzles (see my creative Monday post) this is genius!
2. Coloring books/crayons (this will be a mess)
3. Swish Jr.- See It! Stack It! game
4. Stenzzles-Tropical
5. innotab

I will also be making up more quiet time buckets-thinking of going to the dollar store and buying a bunch of new trinkets that can and probably will get lost somewhere along the way. If you are traveling this spring break I would highly recommend visiting amazon and picking up Swish Jr. and Stenzzles. Let me highlight each for you:

Swish Jr.- See It! Stack It game: This is a great game that everyone can play in the car or anywhere that is for ages 5 plus (although little miss loved the game and she is almost 4). In the game you race to build  Swishes. It really is a great visual game and kids will have to figure out how to layer the cards to make the shapes fit. We love racing to try to figure out as many shapes as possible and even set a timer to make it a little more interesting. The game is super easy to take with you anywhere so it will definitely be making the long sprain break car ride!

Stenzzles: This is another must have for the game closet. Little miss is really into puzzles so this game keeps her busy and she loves to play over and over again. The object of the game is to layer the cards to match the challenge card. It really does take some creativity and artistic layering to meet the challenge. The Stenzzles even won the 2012 Parent's Choice Approved Award! I know we will be taking this game in the car ride and the other Stenzzles game will be showing up in little misses Easter basket. 

Both games are priced under $15 so it really is a steal for all the intellect and fun that your kids (or adults) will have playing the game. Be sure to look for my Crafty Monday post for an easy way to travel with puzzles! 

Greet the Spring Giveaway Hop March 18-29

Welcome to Greet the Spring Giveaway Hop hosted by The Flourishing Life Generations of Savings. As we approach spring guess what time it is-spring cleaning! Registrar below to win a Bona Hardwood Floor Mop:

Disney on Ice is coming to town!

All of my local fans have you seen the amazing commercials for Disney on Ice this year? My daughter is over the top excited that McQueen and Ariel will be in the same room!

Here is a short description about the show:
Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.  Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar's Cars race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever! From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

The show runs from April 4-7 so hurry and get your tickets before they are gone. As a offer for my readers you can get your tickets here and use the promo code TINK for $3 off. So excited for this Disney adventure-see you at the show! 

Spring break is right around the corner-is your car potty ready?

Spring break is right around the corner and we have big plans! Well by big plans I mean we are going to drive with our "big girl" ten hours and try not to stop....oh how this sounded like a grand adventure last month! Now I am frantically trying to prepare and not forget anything...be on the look out this week for my adventure on packing for a long car ride and how I plan to keep busy!

The first thing that I must not forget is the precious little bear. He is a raggedy old little lovie that I have an overly obsessed fear of losing. Once he was lost in at a store for a whole ten minutes and we actually got in the car and drove half way home before we knew he was missing-eek! I thought for sure he was a goner and going to be tossed in the trash...lucky me an employee found him that also had a small child and knew he must be valuable because of his appearance.

Second thing on the list that I think is the most important is a potty. Have you ever been driving though a corn field with no exit in sight and have a toddler screaming "I have to potty and I have to potty now!". This very thing happened to us while driving home for Christmas and needless to say we had no plan or place to stop....the car seat will never fit the same thanks to the fact that I will never be able to get the cover to fit as well. After that incident we bought on of those plastic potty seats and once again had to pull over for an emergency stop. This was worse than the wet car seat-when my daughter stood up she kicked the seat over and needless to say there was potty mess everywhere on her and then I came to realization I did not have a sink or tub to rinse the seat! That was worse than then time she had to go behind a tree-another story for another day.

After all of the failed attempts I finally found a solution-Kalencom's Potette Plus. Have you ever seen this potty seat?

If you have not seen the seat in person (our babies r us carries it) look at all the great reviews on Amazon and it is even available for purchase. The seat has been a lifesaver for our indecisive little girl. She always has to go at the worst time and now I can meet her demands. At the park and she refuses to use the port a potty? We just go to the car and I get a bag and the potty seat-she is happy and content because the seat is familiar and her size and I am happy I do not have to go in some of the not so clean bathrooms.  Did I mention that the potty folds up in a nice drawstring bag so I can easily have with me at all times-we bought one for each car and have one for the diaper bag just so we are always prepared. Potette Plus also has leak-proof liners that I will be getting for the long drive that be disposed of like a diaper. If you will be traveling this spring break or have a new little one just starting out on the potty-the Potette Potty really keeps things consistent which is key! 

Ready to get rid of the winter leg fur?

Ok so I had to share! Last night I tried the Schick Hydro Silk razor on my much needed winter fur legs and guess what-I am hooked! I have seen all the ads and usually do not buy into all the hype...a razor is a razor right? Not so anymore-I swear my skin even felt smoother than before using the razor. Be on the look out for the Schick Hydro Silk razor and get your legs spring break ready!

*Thanks BzzAgent for giving me a chance to try the razor-all opinions are my own*

March Into Spring Hop 3/11-3/25

Welcome to the March Into Spring Giveaway Hop

This event is hosted by The Review Wire. Each blog participating has a prize that is at least $25 and related to spring in some way. Make sure to stop by The Review Wire because they are sponsoring The Grand Prize, a $200 Objects With Purpose Candle Gift Basket! After you enter my giveaway, Flutter by the other blogs to see what "Spring has in Store" for you in the giveaway department!

Enter using the rafflecopter form below to win your very own kinderfeets bike! 

Sponsor Highlight: Castles and Crowns

Do you have a little fashionista? Then I am sure you have heard of Castles and Crowns! I am sad to admit I am new to the line and have just found this little fashion gem. Just look at when my girls have missed because I did not know this cute designer existed:

Just look at the amazing detail! I am proud to say that we are the new owners of the pink Paisley Zoe knit:

The photos do not do this outfit justice. The ruffle detail on the pants is exquisite (our fancy nancy word of the day-ha) and really make the flower detail pop. The overall quality of the clothes is fantastic and really made to last. I personally loved that the pants were elastic waistband as well as the top-it makes for a perfect fit each time no matter the size of the child. As you know we have a super hard time finding clothes to fit around the waist so when I can find trendy, quality pieces I get super excited. Castles and Crowns offer a large selection of boy and girl clothing in a variety of styles. Look at the next piece we will be adding to our collection:

How perfectly adorable would this be for Easter and the entire spring season! Be sure to view the whole collection here and enter to win your very own Castles and Crowns piece during the fashionista event!

Sponsor highlight: Platypus Austrailia

Are your kids ready for summer? As you know little miss swims year round competitively so finding her a swimsuit that fits and protects is key. Just think of how many hours your kids spend outside in the pool or at the splash pad-yikes that is a ton of harmful sun rays! Platypus Australia offers a great solution with UV swimwear with maximum sun protection. The swimwear has a  "UPF 50+ rating, blocking out at least 97.5% of harmful ultraviolet radiation, meeting the strict criteria of both the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the British Standard for ultraviolet radiation". Read more about the amazing sun protection facts here.

In addition to being a safe bet for the sun the swimsuits are also super cute-we love that you can mix and match! My daughter has the Lotus tankini- just look at the feminine detail:

I love that my daughter has the freedom to wear a two piece suit that is meant for a little girl and is age appropriate.The shirt covers and has the cute ruffle detail on the bottom. The Lotus collection also features this fantastic swim shirt:

The swimwear is very well made and fits true to size. I just love how easy it is to go from swim practice to the beach because the suit is so practical yet adorable. Be sure to check out the entire summer collection here and enter to win your very own during the fashionista event! 

Spring Fashionista Hop March 7-14

 The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from  ModlyChic.  K Squared Glamour is our co-host!  For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, you gain one entry toward the Spring Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes.  Go here to enter Main Event==> $1200 in Main Event Prizes. 
The Main Event Prizes total $1200 and Include: 

• $600 White Gold and Citrene Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds (Diamond engagment Rings) (WOrldwide)
• $100 Amazon Gift Card (WorldWide)
• $250 Gift Card from  Midnight Velvet (clothing, accessories and home decor) (US ONLY)
• $250 in Shoes from  Bobbi-Toad (adorable children’s Shoes) 

What a great prize! You can also win 1 of 3 prize packs-enter using the rafflecopter form below! 

1. For the ladies:

Orgami Owl $25 gift card, Riders Slim Crop Pant, Riders New Capris, Bangls Bracelet, Hoo Rag 

  

2. For the kids:

Kidorable backpack & umbrella, Snap Dolls tote & tshirt & snap outfit, Castles & Crowns outfit, delsol tshirt, platypus Australia swimsuit

 

3. For summer:

Fit 4 U swimsuit, Hoo Rag 

 

*Bonus Prizes*

6 random winners will each receive a Hoo Rag of choice and one winner will receive a set of Woolzies to keep your new clothes static free! 

Sponsor Highlight: del sol

Looking for something fun this summer? Have you ever heard of del sol-we had not until wondering around the cruise port. Del sol is this fantastic company that makes products that change in the sun. That is right-as my daughter puts her it is her "magic sunshine shirt". Just look at this adorable princess shirt we have:

Without sun:

With sun:

The shirt is not only one of my daughters favorite but one of mine as well because of the quality. We have had so many things spilled on the shirt which means a ton of washing and it is still super soft and all together....you know my history with poorly stitched clothing the curse has been broken! Del sol also makes a ton of other great products including Disney nail polish that changes in the sun.

We have had so much fun with our "magic nails" and "sunshine shirt" I cannot wait for more summer when the sun will be out in full force! The collection to choose from is very large including toys, sunglasses, bags and even hair accessories. You can check out all of your choices here and be sure to enter to win your choice of shirt during the fashionista event!

Sponsor Highlight: Fit 4 U Swim

Oh the days of warmer weather....a time when we can finally sit and the sun and enjoy the beach. Now if you are anything like me you dread bathing suit season. As you all remember I did Nutrisystem and lost 15 pounds putting me at a size 10 which is amazing just not bikini amazing. Even if I could I do not honestly think my age and personality would allow for a bikini....I mean come on we all have our trouble spots which I usually try to hide over a large cover up or swim towel. This year will be different-I have found Fit 4 U! This amazing innovative swim company has come up with a solution for all our problem areas. For me it is my thighs...no matter what I try it seems that I can escape the thunder thigh syndrome. Not anymore-just look at what I will be wearing at the beach this summer:

Fit 4 U also makes Fit 4 Ur: tummy, thighs, long torso, lift, C's, D's & E's. I absolutely love the beaded detail that really draws your attention up and makes me feel great. I wore this to the pool and aquatics class and found myself ok with walking the deck without constantly tugging on the bottom of my suit trying to hide my thighs. Each style has something truly amazing to offer and the fit is incredible. My Fit 4 U swimsuit is as vibrant as the day it arrived in the mail and a real head turner. Don't suffer this summer with a suit that has a horrible fit and not made for a real women. Fit 4 U focuses on the problem areas and makes you feel confident and ready to drop the towel. You can purchase or your very own Fit 4 U here or in select stores and be sure to enter to win my style suit in the Fashionista event!

Spring Fashionista Lookbook has Arrived!

The largest fashion event on the internet has arrived!

The Spring Fashionista LookBook is now available and just skimming the pages will make you wish the March 7-13 event were already here!  What is the Spring Fashionista Giveaway?
It is the Web’s largest and only ALL FASHION, ONLY FASHION blog giveaway EVENT. Taking place March 7- 13, every giveaway will be valued at $125 – or more! Most of the bloggers have put together prize packs worth several hundred dollars!With more than 115+ bloggers participating in the Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event there will be more than $26,000+ worth of prizes to win!

 What is the LookBook?To get you even more excited, we’ve put together a LookBook to offer a sneak peak at some of the giveaways that will be offered during the event.  Check out the participating blogs, and go ahead, bookmark them now!

And if all of this wasn’t enough… The Fashionista EVENTS LookBook is offering you the chance to win a this stunning Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire 16” necklace from Fine Jewelry by Carol Brodie. This pretty bauble retails at $299!! Spring Fashionista Events Sponsors The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is the amazing brainchild of The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years Her co-hosts for the event are Katy Rose of ModlyChic and Kristyn of the K Squared Glamour. Mark your calendars for March 7-13. It’s going to be Incredible! Also, visit our Main Event Sponsors: Midnight Velvet , Emma Parker Diamonds , and Bobbi-Toad (children’s Shoes)  who are providing $1200 in Prizes! See all the prizes and more in the LOOKBOOK above!

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Sesame Street Live was amazing!

As usual Sesame Street Live did not disappoint! The theme was Elmo Makes Music and it was about a great journey to creating music in your everyday life. The highlight for my daughter was when Mr. Noodle appeared with Dorothy to help Elmo find a way to make music for his new friend. There were neon dancing shoes, counting, alphabet singing, and an overall laughter filled theatre. Unlike most children shows I have attended I did not see any squirmy kids because the show kept everyone entertained and involved.

Another great part of the show-the characters come out to the audience! This was amazing we had three characters come past and actually stop and say hi to my daughter...she was beyond excited. All afternoon she recapped her favorite moment:

It is not to late to have your own Sesame Street Live adventure the show will be in Cleveland through Sunday with the following show times:

Mar 2, 2013 - 2:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 5:30PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 1:00PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 4:30PM

Not near Cleveland? There are many more tour cities and dates listed here. It really is a great show for kids of all ages....we are still enjoying our big red Elmo balloon and reliving the magic of "Oscars friend" and Abby coming to say hello! 

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Sesame Street Live is coming to Cleveland this weekend! It is our favorite time of year when Elmo and Abby come to town and make my daughter squeal with delight. This year the theme is Elmo makes music which is going to be fantastic!

Show times this weekend are as follows:

Feb 28, 2013 - 7:00PM

Mar 1, 2013 - 10:30AM

Mar 1, 2013 - 7:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 10:30AM

Mar 2, 2013 - 2:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 5:30PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 1:00PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 4:30PM

*Look for my review of the show tomorrow afternoon* 

Unique Easter Gift Idea: I See Me!

Looking for something special for your special little someone? Introducing I See Me! Books. This book is truly amazing-each is personalized for your child! 

The book prints your child's first and last name as well as a special message to your child. We have the My Very Own Name book which tells the story of animals using the letters in my daughters first and last name. After reading the book a few weeks my little one can now spell her last name! I See Me! has won so many awards and has been featured in In Touch and People Magazine. Other titles include birthday themes and holiday themes. Can you imagine your little ones face finding a book from the Easter Bunny that was made just for them! I absolutely love personalized gifts and this is especially great because of the intellectual value. As a bonus if you order now you can 

save $5 off your Easter order when you enter coupon code "HOP" at checkout at www.iseeme.com. Minimum purchase $19.95. Expires 3/15. Last day to order for standard Easter delivery is 3/15.

Browse our Easter guide here...